Overlook Restaurant to close its doors after 43 years

Owner and founder Jimmy Sassalos came to U.S. from Greece

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Overlook Restaurant will close sometime in January after more than 40 years in business at North Interstate and Skidmore.

Owner and founder Jimmy Sassalos came to the United States at the age of 25 from Greece with no money. He dedicated all of his time and hard work into the restaurant.

"This is my best friend here -- my restaurant. It has been here for 43 years and I have success here beyond my wildest imagination," Sassalos said.

Sassalos lives right around the corner from his restaurant. While he's taken a few trips to Greece over the last 43 years, he's never taken a formal vacation -- mainly because he has enjoyed what he does so much.

"People go on vacation and they go on vacation, but I was enjoying being in the business everyday -- being involved with the business, the customers, the employees -- that was my joy," Sassalos said.

When asked if he was going to look forward to not having to get up and go to work, Sassalos said he was going to "miss this one and the employees."